Election Day 2024: What is Prop 1 in New York? Where can I find the equal rights amendment on the ballot?

NEW YORK (WABC) – When New Yorkers in Albany vote for president, Senate, Congress and the Legislature, the opposing side of the ballot will feature six different questions — including one that could change the state constitution.

Proposition 1 aims to update the state's Equal Rights Amendment to include new protected classes that include “pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and autonomy.”

And while it doesn't specifically say so, the measure would effectively protect abortion rights throughout New York.

It began as a way to protect certain rights that were threatened by the Supreme Court — particularly reproductive rights — but supporters of Proposition 1 tell Eyewitness News that it was actually a five-year quest to amend the state's constitution.

“Because we live in a time where it has become very clear to us that laws are not enough,” said New York State Senator Liz Krueger, (D) District 28.

So you put the so-called Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot, but do most voters know what it is? Or even where it is?

When you flip your ballot, you can vote “yes” or “no” to disparities based on race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and gender, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy, but also “reproductive health care and autonomy.” to prevent.

Consider that fewer people are already voting in congressional elections, and that number drops even further for proposals, by as much as two-thirds.

The opponents are spending millions on the fight in the last few hours.

“Prop 1 opens the door for non-citizens to vote,” one ad said.

They argue that these are not equal rights, but rather special rights for migrants and transgender athletes.

“And they want to be able to say, hey, you know what? If we want biological men to play against women, the Constitution says they have that right,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said.

However, advocates have their own advertising campaigns.

“It really doesn’t change anything substantive to the law, other than adding protections,” said Larry Levy of the National Center for Suburban Studies.

And Krueger said laws come and go — depending on who is elected in a given year — and constitutions are difficult to change.

“Why should we need it? We already have a constitution that protects people based on race, religion, gender and ethnicity,” Blakeman said.

It's another heated contest that's up to you, the voter, on Tuesday.

RELATED | 2024 Voter Guide: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut

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